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By Adam— April 15, 2025
For most clubs, a 3-0 first-leg defeat in the Champions League quarter-finals would spell the end of the road. But Real Madrid is not most clubs.
In the Spanish capital, “Remontada” — the dramatic comeback — has become something of a sacred word. And over the past week, it has been the most-used phrase inside the walls of the iconic Santiago Bernabéu.
"Remontada... I’ve heard it about a million times this week," admitted Jude Bellingham, trying not to smile during the pre-match press conference. “It’s the most-used word in the dressing room these last days.”
Madrid are, after all, the 15-time champions of Europe. And their legacy has been built on defying the odds — none more famously than their magical 2022 run where they repeatedly clawed back from the brink. But this time, the challenge may be steeper than ever.
The Arsenal Assault
Arsenal's 3-0 demolition of Madrid at the Emirates last week was one for the ages. The Gunners played with grit, flair, and precision, punishing every Madrid mistake. Declan Rice was unplayable, curling in two free-kick masterpieces, and Mikel Merino added a third with a strike that left Courtois rooted.
For once, Madrid looked flat. They looked mortal.
Yet, that’s exactly when they are most dangerous.
All Eyes on the Bernabéu
Now, the second leg returns to Madrid’s fortress — the Bernabéu, a venue that has witnessed history time and again. But can the magic strike once more?
“There’s not a lot you can do for Real Madrid in the Champions League that hasn’t already been done,” Bellingham said. “But if there’s one club that can write a new chapter, it’s us.”
Madrid will need goals — fast, furious, and relentless. But they’ll also need the crowd. The fans. The mystique. All of it.
With players like Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo, and Bellingham himself, there's no shortage of attacking threat. But they’ll also need composure, especially against an Arsenal side that has learned from past heartbreaks.
The Odds & the Belief
Pundits are split. Some believe Real’s time is finally up. Others — those who’ve watched their Champions League miracles before — wouldn’t dare count them out.
Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, are a well-oiled machine now. Clinical, focused, and maturing with every game. But they’ve never had to survive 90 minutes under the weight of history the way they will on Wednesday night in Madrid.
"We respect Madrid, but we fear no one," said Arteta. “The job is not done — not even close.”
Do You Believe?
The question now isn’t whether Real Madrid can do it. We know they can. The question is: will this be another magical night under the Bernabéu lights, or has even the greatest club in European history finally met a mountain too steep?